ISRAEL

PM extends Hanukkah greetings to Benjamin Netanyahu and people of Israel, 18 December 2022

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended Hanukkah greetings to Benjamin Netanyahu, the people of Israel and those celebrating this festival of lights around the world. 

The Prime Minister tweeted;

“Hanukkah greetings to my friend Benjamin Netanyahu, friends in Israel, and those celebrating this festival of lights around the world. Chag Sameach.” Source: Press Information Bureau.

PM congratulates Benjamin Netanyahu for forming the government, 29 December 2022

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Benjamin Netanyahu for being sworn-in as Prime Minister of Israel and forming the government.

The Prime Minister tweeted;

"Heartiest congratulations @netanyahu for forming the government. Looking forward to working together to strengthen our strategic partnership." Source: Press Information Bureau.

SAUDI ARABIA

Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 22 December 2022

Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan (IFS: 1997), presently Ambassador of India to the Republic of Lebanon has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

2. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh will lead the official Indian delegation to United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the “Abu Dhabi Space Debate” on 5th December 2022, 4 December 2022

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh will lead the official Indian delegation to United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the “Abu Dhabi Space Debate”, a 2-day international meet beginning tomorrow. Dr Jitendra Singh will address the Opening Ceremony on India's behalf along with the Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Dr Jitendra Singh will also attend the Ministerial Plenary on the ‘Role of Foreign Policy in Enabling Space Diplomacy and International Cooperation’ along with the MoS Foreign Affairs of the UAE, Foreign Minister of Bahrain and Minister of Advanced Technologies of Israel.
The Minister is also scheduled to hold delegation level talks with Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairperson of UAE Space Agency to discuss ways and means for further strengthening bilateral space cooperation.

In a statement issued before departure to Abu Dhabi, Dr Jitendra Singh said, India and UAE joint space cooperation is on the verge of taking a big leap in the Arabian Peninsula, as the two sides have prioritised increased bilateral space cooperation. He said, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and UAE Space Agency (UAESA) signed an MoU regarding cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes in 2016. The Minister also informed that UAE’s first nanosatellite - ‘Nayif-1’ meant for collecting environmental space data was launched by PSLV from Sriharikota.

The UAE is an emerging space power in the region and has made rapid strides in the last 25 years of its space journey. In July 2020, UAE launched its Mars mission named Hope Probe which entered into Mars orbit in Feb 2021. This made the UAE the first Arab country and the sixth in the world to achieve this feat. The UAE is planning to launch Rashid Rover or the Emirates Lunar Mission shortly. In Sep 2019, Hanzala Al Mansoori became the first Emirati to go to Space when he went to the International Space Station (ISS) for eight days through a Russian space vehicle from Kazakhstan. This year, another UAE astronaut was selected to travel to the ISS on NASA’s crew rotation flight, SpaceX Crew-6 for six-months period.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, Space Reforms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have opened many new vistas and only last month, India made a new beginning in India's Space journey by launching India's first ever private Rocket. He said, the reforms have also unleashed the innovative potentials of start-ups and within a short span of time, from a couple of Space Start-ups three -four years back, today we have 105 start-ups working in cutting-edge areas of space debris management., nano-satellite, launch vehicle, ground systems, research etc.

Dr Jitendra Singh recalled that while launching Indian Space Association (ISpA), a premier industry association of space and satellite companies on 11^th October, 2021, Modi said, “Our approach to space reforms is based on four pillars- freedom to the private sector in innovation, the role of the government as an enabler, making youth future-ready and seeing the space sector as a resource for the progress of common man”.

Dr Jitendra Singh is also likely to pitch for joint start-up ventures between India and United Arab Emirates in advanced and emerging space technologies during the delegation level talks with Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairperson of UAE Space Agency. Given the immense potential both countries have in the Space sector, cooperation in this sector would be a new dimension of strengthening bilateral relations.

Dr Jitendra Singh underlined that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, centuries old close bilateral relationship has gained intense momentum as the relationship was elevated to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2017. Both countries signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement earlier this year and they aspire to take the bilateral trade from the existing US$ 72 billion to US$ 100 billion in the next five years. Source: Press Information Bureau.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh describes India as a key Global Player in the Space sector and says, India is keen to take its Space cooperation with the UAE to newer heights, 5 December 2022

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today described India as a key Global Player in the Space sector and reiterated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is keen to take its Space cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to newer heights.

Addressing the Opening Ceremony of the UAE summit, "Abu Dhabi Space Debate”, Dr Jitendra Singh acknowledged the presence of the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed at the Opening Ceremony and conveyed PM Modi's warm greetings to him and the people of UAE.

Dr Jitendra Singh is leading the official Indian delegation to United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the “Abu Dhabi Space Debate”, a 2-day international meet. Apart from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, and Diplomats from several countries attended the opening ceremony.

Dr Jitendra Singh greeted the people of the United Arab Emirates on the occasion of the celebration of 51 years of the formation of this great country on behalf of the people of India. He said, another laudable achievement for the UAE this year is completion of the silver jubilee of its space odyssey with several golden milestones.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, development of the Space sector is one of the priority areas for the leaders of both India and the UAE and added that India started its space journey seven decades back from a scratch and is today acknowledged to be a leading space power. He said, the highlight of India’s journey has been its thrust on indigenous development through dedication and hard work of its scientists guided by the commitment of the leaders.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the indigenously developed Space sector of India and the fast-growing Space sector of the UAE have a lot of complementariness that can be harnessed. He said, if we want to ensure that the Space remains a sector to serve our shared humanity, it is important to bring all the stakeholders together to discuss and deliberate about the Space and in this regard, this platform has the potential to shape the future of the Space sector.

The Minister said, the Indian space industry today is renowned across the globe for two things – reliability and economy. India is proud to have the maximum success ratio in the world for its flagship space launching vehicle – Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle or PSLV. Just a few weeks back, India’s PSLV launched 36 satellites including for countries from both the developed and developing world.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the list of achievements of India’s Space industries is quite long and informed that Indian Space Research Organization or ISRO has launched more than 100 satellites so far and has immense in-house satellite building capabilities for GSAT, Earth Observation Satellites and Space based Satellite Navigation Systems. He proudly stated that India has also developed its own GPS, which we call the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System or IRNSS. Besides the successful launch of India’s Mars orbiter mission in 2013, India has twice attempted to send its Mission to the moon known as Chandrayaan 1 and Chandrayaan 2. The third satellite mission to the moon, the Chandrayaan 3 will be launched next year, the Minister informed.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, India’s other flagship space programmes also include Human Space Flight Centre or what we call in India as Gaganyaan project under which we are planning to send our first crewed flight in space in 2024.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, in the light of the Indian philosophy of Vasudeva Kutumbakam which means - the World is one family, India wants to share the fruits of space development to reach all countries and bring closer cooperation between governments and private entities in the space sector. He said, with this idea, India has recently brought landmark reforms leading to policy initiatives to tap the best of our research potential as well as participation of the private sector. The Minister said, India is also keenly promoting development of start-ups in the space sector to facilitate entry of foreign government and private sector entities. In this regard, India has established a dedicated organisation called Indian Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre or IN-SPACe which is tasked with the objective of hand-holding our nascent private entities in the Space sector, he added.

Dr Jitendra Singh recalled that among the several pioneering initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is the Abu Dhabi Space Debate which reflects his commitment and vision for the Space sector. He said that much of this vision has already become a reality with the UAE sending a space mission to Mars orbit, thereby becoming the sixth such country demonstrating its prowess in the space sector and on top of that, the UAE became the only second country, other than India, to successfully launch a Mars orbiter in its very first attempt.

The Minister also congratulated the UAE for planning its second human space mission next year by sending four astronauts in space for six months. The launch of Rashid Rover, UAE’s Moon Mission in the near future, and creation of the Space fund are milestones which reflect the commitments and determination of the UAE to excel in the Space sector. He shared that India’s active space partnership with the UAE dates back to 2017, when our PSLV launched UAE’s first nanosatellite - ‘Nayif-1’ meant for collecting environmental space data.

Dr Jitendra Singh appreciated the thrust of the Abu Dhabi Space Debate for building the role of Governments in empowering space business and technology. He said, the list of discussions in ADSD on the role of the space sector to solve the climate issues, bringing accountability to environmental commitments, threats to and from space to the political discourse and making the presence of private sector and space innovation people driven that serve humankind; are very relevant to our time and are eye-opening topics, setting apart this initiative from any other such gathering in Space sector in the past.

Dr Jitendra Singh concluded by saying that he is confident that the Abu Dhabi Space Debate will grow in stature in the coming years and become a pre-eminent platform for discussions in space related matters and take India-UAE space cooperation into an entirely different and much higher spatial orbit. Lastly, as India assumed the chairmanship of G-20 on Dec 1, the Minister once again welcomed the UAE to the G-20 Summit and G-20 meetings in the period of India’s chairmanship. Source: Press Information Bureau.

MoS Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar attends the India Global Forum at Dubai, 13 December 2022

The Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar has attended the Ministerial Roundtable titled Globalisation of Indian Tech & Innovation Talent. He put forth the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on making Trusted corridors of Technologies & Innovation “PM Shri Narendra Modi’s vision is of building Trusted corridors for Technologies & innovation with countries - with India as a skill hub & Young Indians as innovators for the world”, he said while addressing the audience comprising of Government & Industry leaders from India, UAE, UK, Israel and other participant countries, in Dubai, UAE today.

Highlighting the success story of India’s Digital Public Platforms that have been tested for both scale and cost effectiveness, the Minister reiterated that “Our Prime Minister has already made it clear that the world will benefit from the India stack”.

Speaking about future of technology, the Minister who himself has a vast experience in the tech sector, stated that “the future of technology is going to be different from what we have experienced with emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, Extended Reality/ Augmented Reality, High Power compute etc. shall catalyse innovation in various fields.”

The Minister, speaking at the backdrop of India assuming the presidency of G20 and the council chair of GPAI Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, stressed upon collaboration amongst countries. He termed the coming decades to be driven by partnerships.

He also underlined India as a trusted technology partner which is catalysing its digital economy by ensuring Safety & Trust of its Digital Nagriks (citizens). He spoke about the new Digital Personal Data Protection bill 2022 which does a fine job at balancing seemingly contradictory objectives of safeguarding citizens privacy, ensure ease of doing business and providing for Max Governance. He informed that the bill has been drafted keeping in mind India’s vibrant startup and innovation ecosystem.

The Minister also met the senior leadership of organizations such Sequoia, Coinbase and VerSe as a part of his visit to the IGF2022.

Later in the day, the Minister and his counterpart from the UAE government, H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama participated in a moderated session titled Partners in Disruption & Innovation. The dialogue builds upon the two minister’s engagement in last year’s IGF as well as Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s visit to Dubai earlier this year to explore the levers to make technological collaborations between India and UAE a success. Source: Press Information Bureau.

GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL

Bilateral trade between India and the GCC stood at US$ 111.71 billion for the period April-October 2022, an increase of 40.53% from US$ 79.49 billion during same period in FY 2021-22, 21 December 2022

Bilateral Trade between India and the GCC grew from US$ 87.35 billion in FY 2020-21 to US$ 154.66 billion in FY 2021-22, registering an increase of 77.06% on a year-on-year basis. During the current FY 2022-23, for the period April-October 2022, bilateral trade between India and the GCC stood at US$ 111.71 billion, up from US$ 79.49 billion during the same period in FY 2021-22. This is an increase of 40.53% on a year-on-year basis. During the period FY 2017-18 to FY 2021-22, bilateral trade between India and the GCC has grown by 10.57% on a compounded annual growth rate basis.

This information has been provided by Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel said in reply to a parliamentary question today. Source: Press Information Bureau.

PERMANENT MISSION OF INDIA TO THE UN

UNSC meeting on Syria, Statement by Ambassador R. Ravindra, Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, 5 December 2022

I would like to deliver the following brief statement in my national capacity. First, let me thank Under Secretary General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu for the update.

2. We note with regret that the recent communication between the focal points of Syria and OPCW Technical Secretariat regarding a possible meeting has not fructified. We continue to encourage sustained engagement between Syria and the OPCW Technical Secretariat to resolve all outstanding issues.

3. We believe discussions on Syria Chemical Weapons should reflect progress on the ground. However, there has been no forward movement on the issue for several months. As a result, UNSC member states often continue to repeat their well-known positions.

4. India attaches high importance to the Chemical Weapons Convention and stands for its full, effective, and non-discriminatory implementation. India is against the use of chemical weapons by anybody, anywhere, at any time and under any circumstances. India has consistently maintained that any investigation into the use of chemical weapons must be impartial, credible and objective.

5. We continue to caution against the possibility of terrorist entities and individuals gaining access to chemical weapons, including in the region. Therefore, any allegation of use of chemical weapons needs to be dealt with utmost attention.

6. To conclude, India continues to believe that progress on other tracks would also help in facilitating overall political peace process in Syria, as advocated in UNSCR 2254.

I now resume my duties as the President. Source: Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

UNSC Meeting on Iraq, Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, 5 December 2022

Let me now make the statement in my national capacity. I thank Special Adviser Christian Ritscher for his briefing. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of Iraq to the meeting.

2. The world was witness to the heinous and dastardly crimes committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (ISIL) against innocent Iraqis, including those from its diverse ethnic and religious communities. Victims of ISIL’s horrific crimes in Iraq also include 39 Indian nationals.

3. UNITAD’s work seeks to render justice to these victims, their families, and survivors of these crimes. UNITAD’s relevance is also underscored by the importance of accountability for reconciliation in a post-conflict Iraq. In this regard, we welcome ongoing cooperation between the Iraqi authorities and UNITAD.

4. India recognizes the valuable work of UNITAD in promoting accountability for the crimes committed against the people of Iraq. In addition to the political support for UNITAD’s mandate, India has also extended financial support to the Team to strengthen the pursuit of accountability. India’s financial contribution to the Trust Fund has supported the production of a substantive case assessment report on the development and use of chemical and biological weapons by ISIL. It has also contributed to the expansion of UNITAD’s investigations into the destruction of cultural and religious sites of the different Iraqi communities and minorities.

5. We understand the significance of case-building and information sharing in the work of UNITAD. These are important steps; however, the key to advancing full accountability is the timely sharing of evidence collected by UNITAD with Iraqi authorities that would be used in the trials of ISIL perpetrators in Iraqi courts. This Council has also emphasized the importance of sharing evidence by UNITAD with the relevant Iraqi authorities, in a timely manner. We encourage UNITAD to work towards this objective, in close cooperation with Government of Iraq.

6. Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations remains a global challenge and only a unified and zero-tolerance approach to terrorism can eventually defeat it. As the government and the people of Iraq continue their fight against ISIL, it is also critical to fight the impunity of terror globally.

7. Last week, the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks were remembered in India and several other countries. Be it Mumbai or Mosul, India strongly believes that the credibility of our collective fight against terrorism can be strengthened only when we can ensure accountability for the grave and inhuman acts of terror committed by terrorists and take strong measures against those who encourage, support and finance terrorism.

8. Since this would be the last scheduled meeting on Iraq during our tenure in the Council, I take this opportunity to thank the Permanent Mission of Iraq for their excellent cooperation with the Indian delegation during our tenure. We are also grateful for the cooperation and support extended by the Iraq team of DPPA and the Special Adviser and his team. Source: Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

UNSC Briefing on UNSMIL/Libya, Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, 16 December 2022

I will now deliver a statement in my national capacity. I thank SRSG Bathily for his briefing today.

2. As we near the end of our tenure, we cannot but reflect on the fact that the progress made after the signing of the Ceasefire Agreement in October 2020 is at risk of being undermined. It has been nearly one year since the missed deadline for elections, and yet we do not have any agreement on the way forward. The political impasse continues, and points of friction between various institutions have given rise to tensions.

3. It is important that all actors resume their cooperation, in order to overcome the political deadlock. This is in the interest of the people of Libya, and is also in the interest of the region as a whole. Holding elections at the earliest in a free, fair, inclusive, and credible manner is an urgent imperative.

4. Despite the call of the Libyan parties, the continued presence of foreign forces and mercenaries in Libya, in violation of multiple pronouncements of the Security Council, is a matter of concern. Their frequent mobilizations and clashes brings to focus the dangers they pose to Libya’s security and stability. Violations of Security Council resolutions, especially its provisions on arms embargo, are continuing with complete disregard to peace and stability in Libya and the region.

5. We are also concerned at the resurgence of terrorist activities in Libya, and we reiterate that terrorist groups and affiliated entities must not be allowed to operate unchallenged in Libya. Terrorism emanating from Libya is bound to have cascading effects in the Sahel region. It is therefore important for the international community to address it, at this stage itself, so as to avoid its collateral consequences on the wider African continent.

6. In conclusion, I reiterate that the political process in Libya should be fully Libyan-led and Libyan-owned with no imposition or external interference. As we prepare to exit the Security Council, let me re-assure everyone that India remains committed to supporting Libya and the Libyan people in their endeavour to seek lasting peace and stability.

I now resume my duties as the President. Source: Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

UNSC Meeting on Palestine Question, Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, 19 December 2022

I now make the statement in my national capacity. I thank UN Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland for briefing on the implementation of Resolution 2334. I also thank the Permanent Mission of Israel and the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine for their cooperation during India’s two-year tenure in the Council. I extend my appreciation to the Middle East team of DPPA for their support to our team.

2. Resolution 2334 was adopted by this Council to reaffirm the international community’s firm commitment to prevent the erosion of the two-State solution. It calls upon parties to prevent all acts of violence against civilians, stresses that all settlement activities must cease, and underscores the need to exert collective efforts to launch credible negotiations.

3. We remain deeply concerned by developments in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza. Violent attacks and the killing of civilians have taken many Palestinian and Israeli lives during the reporting period. Acts of destruction and provocation are also continuing. We have consistently advocated against all acts of violence, and we reiterate our call for immediate steps to ensure complete cessation of violence. We also note with concern the recent UNRWA report about a man-made cavity beneath a UNRWA school in Gaza.

4. Other unilateral measures that unduly alter the status-quo on the ground and undercut the viability of the two-State solution must be eschewed. It is extremely important for the international community and this Council to send a strong signal against any step that would prevent the possibility of durable peace between Israel and Palestine.

5. It is only by realizing the vision of two States living side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition, resolving all final status issues permanently through direct negotiations, that the legitimate aspirations of both peoples will be achieved.

6. The absence of a political process to achieve a viable two-State solution continues to be the biggest impediment to the peaceful settlement of the Palestine question. One cannot overlook the consequences of the current status-quo. Terror attacks, violence and incitement continue to create mutual fear and suspicion among the parties. This could lead to perpetuation of the conflict, which will only increase the number of casualties on both sides.

7. Let me conclude by saying that there is no alternative to the two-State solution to guarantee lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. And direct negotiation is the only path that can lead us there. There cannot be any shortcuts on that count.

I thank you. Source: Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

UNSC Briefing on Syria, Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, 21 December 2022

I will now make a statement in my national capacity. I thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and Under Secretary General Martin Griffiths for their briefings.

2.   We note with regret that the conflict in Syria still has no end in sight and the political process is yet to take off.  We continue to stress on a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, in line with UNSC Resolution 2254, with a firm commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. A decisive forward movement on the political track in Syria remains an urgent imperative to alleviate the sufferings of its people.

3. The revival of the constitutional committee process is crucial to move forward on the political track. In this regard, we take note of efforts of the Special Envoy, particularly his visit to Damascus earlier this month. The step-by-step approach advocated by the Special Envoy requires engagement and response from all sides, and cannot be a one-sided process. The progressive normalization of Syria’s relations with its neighbours can contribute positively in this regard, and we continue to support Special Envoy’s active engagement with the region.

4. In the recent weeks, the security situation particularly in northeast Syria has worsened. Moreover, the activities of terrorist outfits are on the rise. We have also seen military operations inside Syria carried out by a neighbour. We express concerns over such unilateral actions violating Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We believe that withdrawal of all foreign forces is essential to achieve nation-wide ceasefire. We note the recent meeting of the Ceasefire Task Force and hope that the parties will take steps towards cessation of hostilities.

5. The humanitarian situation continues to remains dire. Secretary General in his latest report has projected increase in the number of people in need of humanitarian aid, from 14.6 million in 2022 to a 15.3 million in 2023. USG Martin Griffiths has also reiterated the challenges faced by humanitarian agencies. Women, children and elderly continue to be impacted severely, and impediments to the humanitarian assistance persist, both in terms of delivery and augmentation of financial resources. The restrictions on financial services, has also negatively affected the work of humanitarian agencies.

6. We have noted the progress in crossline deliveries and early recovery projects. Our consistent view in this regard has been that distribution of humanitarian assistance to Syrians, whether by crossline or cross-border mechanism, should be guided by needs-based assessments and not political motivations. Humanitarian assistance cannot be a matter of political expediency.

7. The threat of terrorism in Syria and the region cannot be ignored. The sanctioned terror outfits such as ISIL, and Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, continue to remain active in Syria. We reiterate our call for caution and due diligence to be exercised while extending humanitarian assistance to proscribed UN entities and individuals. The global fight against terrorism cannot and should not be compromised for narrow political gains. There is an urgent imperative on the international community to display zero tolerance approach towards terrorism without any double standards.

8. To conclude, India and Syria share historic and friendly relations. India over the years has been extending humanitarian, technical and developmental assistance to Syria through bilateral and multilateral channels. Consignments of food and medicines have been supplied to Syria from time to time, including during the pandemic. India has offered Lines of Credit worth USD 280 million to Syria for building a power plant and a steel plant. A Next-Gen Centre for Information Technology was set up in Damascus in October 2021. About 1500 scholarships have been provided to Syrian students to study in India in diverse streams, including 200 scholarships in the current academic year itself.

9. We stand ready to do more in the coming days and months to help our Syrian brothers and sisters in their hour of need. India will continue to play a constructive and meaningful role in support of Syria and its people in their endeavour for lasting peace and stability.

I now resume my duties as the President. Source: Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

As part of the policy, the MEI@ND standardizes spellings and date format to make the text uniformly accessible and stylistically consistent. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views/positions of the MEI@ND. Editor, MEI@ND P R Kumaraswamy.